In Prince Min's Mansion, Zhu Huixuan sighed and recounted the situation after he and others entered the palace.
"At that time, King Xiang was aggressive and held on to the fault of the Japanese king for beating people. Although His Majesty tried his best to change the situation and tried to persuade him several times with the love of clan, King Xiang still refused to give up, and in his words, he seemed to be thinking of killing someone.
Make a fuss about things outside the Tenth Prince's Palace."
"In order to resolve this matter satisfactorily, for the sake of me and Yinxi, and especially for the sake of you, the clan members who are waiting for their fate, Your Majesty had no choice but to allow me and Yinxi to return to the fiefdom, and let King Xiang take over as the chief minister of the clan.
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"But from the bottom of my heart, I can see that His Majesty is dissatisfied with King Xiang, and he also wants to protect me and Yinxi. Otherwise, His Majesty would not have ordered the Ministry of Rites to remove the throne of Min from the throne within ten months.
The process of seizing the title has been completed, and I also specifically asked Yin Xi to inherit my position as King of Zhennan."
"Chengtuo, others may not understand the difference, but you should be the one who understands the key points best!"
It has to be said that the same thing, said from different people's mouths and from different angles, will give people different feelings.
Take this memorial as an example. Zhu Huixuan told the truth. The emperor acted as the mediator to mediate. Did he persuade him? Of course he did!
Is King Xiang unwilling to give in? Of course, King Zhennan and a group of clan members must also be held accountable for their crimes. These are all facts, but they don't seem to be so conclusive facts.
At least, the word "last resort" in Zhu Huixun's words is definitely not necessary!
However, even the ministers who were present and witnessed the whole process had their own judgments about these details, not to mention other people who just listened to others' reports.
At least at the moment, Zhu Huixun said that the emperor had no choice but to do so, so Zhu Fanzhi and Zhu Chenglian who were present also believed it.
You must know that in the Ming Dynasty, princes were the most important. A prince was not just a title. It involved a series of issues such as fiefdom, taxation, and vassalage. The process was very complicated and could not be inherited with a simple sentence.
of.
Not to mention Zhu Chenglian's father, Zhu Shixi, for example, as early as the second year of Xuande, the court, at the request of Princess Dai, appointed him as the grandson of Dai Wangfu, and he was the legitimate heir to the throne of Dai.
However, when it came to actually inheriting it, it still took more than a year of ritual process.
The old king Zhu Gui died in December of the 11th year of Zhengtong, but the time when Zhu Shixi completed the canonization and truly became the acting king was in the first month of the 13th year of Zhengtong.
Of course, this was not an intentional delay by the court. On the contrary, Zhu Gui was such an arrogant and domineering king of Sai who could not even control the imperial decree. The court wished that he would see Emperor Taizu as soon as possible and replace him with a gentle-tempered king to handle the vassal affairs.
But rules are rules. Even if Zhu Shixi is the legitimate heir apparent, he still has to go through the required procedures. Moreover, this is already considered fast. Under normal circumstances, the inheritance of a prince's title takes two to three years.
Everything is normal.
Therefore, it is indeed a grace for the Emperor to issue an edict instructing the Ministry of Rites to handle the matter of succession to the throne of Min as soon as possible.
And, that's not all. Another thing that can be called grace is that the emperor returned the favor and Zhu Yinqi succeeded him as King of Zhennan.
You must know that Zhu Huixuan holds the title of county prince and heir apparent at the same time. This is not in line with the normal succession of the throne, but is caused by the special inheritance of the Min king line.
According to the court regulations, when the vassal king's sons came of age, after the vassal king petitioned, the eldest son was established as the crown prince to succeed the vassal. The remaining sons, regardless of the legitimate concubines, were registered as county princes and given titles and lands.
Therefore, under normal circumstances, the crown prince and the county throne will not appear in the same person at the same time.
However, the lineage of King Min is quite special. Above Zhu Huixun, there is an eldest brother Zhu Huiyan. When the princes of King Min came of age, they followed the normal etiquette system and registered Zhu Huiyan as the crown prince and the other sons as prefectures.
King, in this way, Zhu Huixun has the title of King of Zhennan.
Unexpectedly, Zhu Huiyan was later deposed as the crown prince and locked up in Fengyang High Wall as a commoner. Zhu Huixun became the first heir to the throne of Min and was canonized as the crown prince. Only then did he have the title of crown prince at the same time.
and the special circumstances of the county throne.
But this is not the norm. Therefore, according to common sense, after Zhu Huixuan inherits the throne of Min, his title of King of Zhennan will be taken back, and Zhu Yinxuan should be invited by Zhu Huixuan, the new King of Min.
He was registered as the Crown Prince of Min King to succeed Min Fan.
But now, the emperor did not mention the matter of the crown prince. Instead, he asked the Ministry of Rites to prepare for the succession of the Zhennan throne. His intention was actually to show favor.
To put it bluntly, if Zhu Yinqi is registered as the Crown Prince first, then he cannot be registered as the County King. On the other hand, if he inherits the position of Zhennan King first, he can still be registered as the Crown Prince.
The position of the Crown Prince depends on the age of the legitimate concubines, and no one can change this. Therefore, from the time Zhu Huixuan became King of Min, Zhu Yinxun's position as the Crown Prince of Min was fixed and unchangeable. It was nothing more than a few years ago.
It's just a matter of a few years later.
However, if he misses this opportunity, it will be impossible for Zhu Yinqi to get another county throne.
Although in the eyes of outsiders and even in the minds of many ministers of the imperial court, there seems to be no difference. After all, compared with the throne of a county and the throne of a prince, the latter is definitely more valuable.
However, everyone present is a real descendant of the clan, how could they not understand the key point?
Especially Zhu Chenglian, when he heard Zhu Huixuan's last question, he suddenly fell silent.
Yes, of course he understands!
Because this is how he and his father came here!
The prince's position is certainly valuable, but that's because the prince can inherit the prince's position. Compared with the county throne, both status and power are greater than the latter, but there is only one thing. The prince's position is not as good as that of the county.
What is king is independence.
Take Dai Wangfu as an example. When the old Dai Wang was still there, although his father Zhu Shixi was a legitimate descendant, his life was not as good as that of ordinary people. In many cases, he even had to farm the land himself to maintain food and clothing.
The reason is that the words "Daiwangfu" are still written in front of the "Daiwangfu". If in an ordinary royal palace, the "Daiwangfu" has a high enough status and is trusted enough, he can transfer the prince's office after the vassal king gets old. Most of the resources are naturally very comfortable.
However, it is different when they, like father and son, are disliked and even disliked.
Although Zhu Chenglian knew that his family's situation was too special, even if other princes were dissatisfied with the prince, they would not dare to disobey the imperial edict and treat him so harshly.
However, he still couldn't help but think, if his father was not the eldest son and was not canonized as a descendant, but was instead named a general of the country early, would their life be much easier?
The answer is yes!
As the prince of Dai, all their financial resources come from the taxes of Dai. The salaries that should be paid to them will be sent to Dai Wang's palace first, and then paid to them.
However, the person who makes the decision in the Daiwang Mansion is the Daiwang after all, so once the money and food are delivered to the Daiwang Mansion, nothing happens.
But if at that time, his father already had a county title, then the situation would be completely different.
The Prince of Dai is still essentially a member of the Prince's Palace. However, being registered as a county prince means he is independent in a certain sense. At least, he will have his own fief, and the taxes in the fief will be sent directly to in their hands.
This difference is not reflected in ordinary times, but under special circumstances, it is vividly reflected, and Zhu Chenglian is the person who can best empathize with it.
Therefore, when Zhu Huixuan said this, he immediately calmed down. However, the emotion that suddenly surged in his heart could not help but spread, making the atmosphere there become a little depressed.
Even Zhu Fanzhi, a carefree boy, realized something was wrong, blinked his eyes, and began to change the subject without any abruptness, saying.
"According to what Uncle Wang said, His Majesty does have good intentions. However, we understand the painstaking efforts. However, those people outside may still think that His Majesty is partial, and..."
As he spoke, the Prince of Xiangling became indignant again and said.
"Even so, I still feel that it is too cheap for Prince Xiang to get the position of Da Zongzheng just like this. I can see that the reason why this old guy talked nonsense in front of my uncle's spirit is just to put you, Uncle Wang He drove him out of the capital in order to seek the position of great sect leader, but in the end, he really succeeded. No matter how you think about this kind of result, you will find it hard to swallow this bad breath!"
At this moment, Zhu Yinqi, who had been silent since entering the mansion, suddenly spoke and said in a clean and cold voice.
"If you can't swallow it, don't swallow it!"
However, as soon as he said this, he was interrupted by Zhu Huixuan's soft drink.
"Yinxi!"
It can be seen that Zhu Huixun is usually very strict with Zhu Yinqi. With such a soft drink, Zhu Yinqi stopped talking. However, I don't know if it was because he had been with Zhu Chenglian for a long time. Although Zhu Yinqi did not He continued, but his expression showed a stubbornness, and he was obviously unwilling.
However, Zhu Huixuan ignored him and continued to talk to Zhu Fanzhi and Zhu Chenglian.
"Fan Zhi, Chengdu, I appreciate your good intentions. However, the fact that this matter has reached this stage is already the best result. Your Majesty has no choice but to deal with it in this way. If it continues, it will only get worse. Causing chaos to the court."
"This land, country, and land belongs to our Zhu family. If you don't want to cause trouble, don't make it worse. It's just a return to the fiefdom. It's nothing to my father and son. But you, if you continue to stay in the capital and study, what's the point? It’s best not to provoke King Xiang any more.”
Zhu Huixun said these words with sincerity and sincerity, but Zhu Chenglian and the other two obviously did not listen. They could naturally see that on certain matters, the elder and Zhu Yinxi had different ideas.
If nothing else happens, this should be how to deal with King Xiang.
Judging from Zhu Yinxi's expression, it was clear that he still had a solution, but, perhaps in order to calm the matter, Zhu Huixuan clearly disapproved of continuing the quarrel.
So, what should we do?
For Zhu Chenglian and Zhu Chenglian, this is something that they don’t have to hesitate at all!
After pondering for a moment, Zhu Chenglian did not look at Zhu Huixun, but turned directly to Zhu Yinqi aside and said.
"Yinqi, if nothing else, you know my feelings for my great-uncle. King Xiang made such a fuss about my great-uncle's funeral. No matter what, I can't bear this tone. You and your great-uncle must bear it. , I can understand, you can just go back to your fiefdom!"
"However, if you have any idea, just speak out. No matter how big the trouble is, your Majesty will take the blame and I, Zhu Chenglian, will bear the responsibility. It will be worthy of my great-uncle's love for you."
"If you don't want to say it, or have no other way, then I can only do what I said when I was outside the palace, and go to the ancestral temple to cry in mourning!"
Zhu Chenglian said these words very simply, without any hesitation. Just by looking at his expression, you can tell that he didn't mean to be joking at all.
Young people are very popular, and they are most afraid of not being excited. When Zhu Chenglian said this, Zhu Fanzhi on the side suddenly felt a surge of energy and blood, and immediately stood up and said.
"Count me in! I've long been dissatisfied with that old guy, Prince Xiang, fuck him!"
Seeing the two good friends like this, Zhu Yinxi had a complicated look on his face. After a moment, he stood up, cupped his hands towards Zhu Huixun, and said.
"Father, forgive me. In the past, Yinxi would listen to you on everything, but this time it involves grandpa. As his grandson, Yinxi cannot let others stand up for Yinxi!"
Zhu Yinxi's words were so categorical that Zhu Huixun became furious.
"you……"
However, perhaps looking at the young and high-spirited three people, he thought of himself, or perhaps he was touched by Zhu Yinxun's words. He raised his hand and pointed at these people. Zhu Huixun's words rolled up in his throat again and again. Finally, But he just sighed heavily, then stood up and turned around and entered the back hall.
Seeing this situation, Zhu Yinxi finally breathed a sigh of relief and turned to look at Zhu Fanzhi and Zhu Chenglian. Even in this atmosphere, the three of them still looked at each other and smiled, and they all saw the deep determination and firmness in each other's eyes.
As soon as the elder Zhu Huixuan left, the three of them became more casual and sat down each. Zhu Fanzhi was more impatient. As soon as he sat down, he asked.
"Yinqi, if you have any idea, just tell me directly. If we need anything, we will try our best to cooperate. Damn it, I still don't believe it. That old guy, Prince Xiang, can really get what you want!"
Zhu Chenglian did not speak, but his eyes were fixed on Zhu Yinxi, obviously waiting for the next sentence.
However, at this time, for some unknown reason, Zhu Yinqi felt a little hesitant. He hesitated for a moment before speaking under the urging eyes of the two men.
"Brother Fan Zhi, Cheng Hao, this matter has nothing to do with you in the first place. It is me and my father who have caused you trouble. I know in my heart that my father is right. At this time, I should not continue to blame you. But, as you said, I really can't swallow this bad breath, so I still have to trouble you this time."
"However, I know how difficult this matter is. Therefore, if you have any difficulties, please tell me at any time. There is no need to bear any burden. I am very grateful that you can come here today."
"No matter what choice you make in the end, I will always remember this kindness!"
As soon as he said this, Zhu Fanzhi immediately became a little unhappy and said in a dull voice.
"Yinqi, what are you talking about? Are you a softie for being a brother? I dare to scold that old bastard King Xiang in front of him, let alone other things. Our relationship, you said these things..."
However, compared to Zhu Fanzhi's emotions, Zhu Chenglian was aware of Zhu Yinxi's ambivalent mood at the moment, so he was not as excited as Zhu Fanzhi, but looked at Zhu Yinxi seriously and said.
"Yinqi, although I don't know what your method is, we understand what you mean. Don't worry, no matter what the outcome of this matter is in the end, it is our own choice, and we will never blame you!"
"Yes, I just don't like that old bastard King Xiang, Yinqi, just say it, what are you afraid of!"
Following Zhu Chenglian, Zhu Fanzhi also echoed.
Seeing this situation, Zhu Yinqi sighed softly, no longer hesitated, his expression became firm again, and he spoke.
"In that case, I'll just say it straight..."
As he spoke, Zhu Yinxi put his eyes on Zhu Chenglian and said.
"If you want to overthrow King Xiang, you are the most crucial person!"